Blood donations constantly needed, says Red Cross

By MEAGHAN LATELLAHour Intern

Published 10:30 am, Friday, July 4, 2014

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Hour photo/Matthew Vinci

John Droy donates blood with American Red cross R.N. Jamie Pellitier Sunday at the Palace Theatre where the Red Cross blood drive was held. Everyone who donated was entered for a chance to win a pair of tickets to II Volo at the theatre on June 14.

NORWALK -- According the Red Cross' website, "It's important to remember that patients don't get a vacation from needing blood and platelets. The need is constant."

Paul Shipman, a spokesperson for the Connecticut chapter of the American Red Cross, concurs and said that there is typically a decrease in the number of blood drive volunteers during the summer. He explained that while people make time to travel and visit family, and they may not set aside time for volunteering during this season.

"We want to highlight the need for blood drive volunteers [during the summer]," said Shipman. "We work hard to keep volunteering at blood donations at the top of their [priority] list."

According to a news release, the Red Cross collects an average of 135,000 units of blood in Connecticut each year. Annually, nearly 3,000 blood drives are held throughout the state. Shipman's chapter also encompasses R.I, so the chapter's responsibilities extend into that state. Between the two states, Shipman said that there are around 30 paid Red Cross chapter employees and nearly 3,000 volunteers.

"That's almost a 100 to 1 volunteer to paid staff ratio," said Shipman. "Volunteers are the heart and sole of the organization. It's phenomenal what [they] do for us."

Volunteers do not need any special skills in order to help out. Upon registering, the Red Cross will provide volunteers with the training they'll need to assist with blood drives. According to a Red Cross news release, basic qualifications include good communication skills, flexibility and a friendly personality.

Stephanie Boles, Senior Director of Volunteer Engagement for the Connecticut Chapter, said that there are drives held statewide that will fit any schedule.

"Staffing a blood drive is a great way to meet new people, keep up with members of your community and support the lifesaving work of the Red Cross," said Boles in a statement released. "We really need the help of volunteers to make sure we are able to staff drives and support a safe and adequate blood supply."

Volunteer responsibilities include helping with donor greeting and registration and providing donors with refreshments after they've given blood. Please note that handling blood is not a volunteer responsibility.